2018 - Last Trips of the Year

Amsterdam 

In late November, we made a quick trip to Amsterdam, hoping not to encounter the approaching winter weather. As it turned out, we had relatively good weather for the two weeks we were there.

For the most part, we hung out with Meredith and Elliot, and helped out with Isla and Freya. Even though it hadn't been long since we last saw them, lots of growth and changes were evident, particularly with Freya.

Freya is six months old. She's quick to smile and very inquisitive.

Isla loves to help out in the kitchen. She cuts up vegetables and above is helping mom with a cake.

Isla loves to draw and is learning to write. You can speak to her in Dutch or English - she speaks both.

Mexico

After being in Amsterdam for a little over two weeks, we flew back to Los Angeles, stayed overnight near LAX, and the following day flew to Cancun. From the cool weather of Amsterdam to 80 degree weather was a welcome change.

We come to the Yucatan nearly every year. The first week we stay at the Omni and manage to do very little, while the other week we use to explore this beautiful and wild peninsula.

View from our balcony.

The sunrise brings early morning spectators to the beachfront. 

After our week at the Omni, we were ready to make a move. We had heard from other folks about an interesting island with lots of nature with a laid-back lifestyle. We needed to investigate. 

We took the city bus from the Omni into Cancun's bus depot, known as the ADO. From there, we bought tickets on a long range bus and headed to Chiquila, a drive of about three hours. From Chiquila it was a twenty minute ferry ride to reach Isla Holbox.  

The small town in Holbox looks very Caribbean. 

Brightly painted storefronts and no paved streets. Only delivery cars, golf carts and bikes are allowed on the streets. 

The water was warm and shallow. 

Evening sunsets brought the crowds from nearby hotels.

One of the two main thoroughfares in town.

We had hoped for some really special tacos at this small stand but we were disappointed. Very mediocre.

The town has a number of whimsical and colorful murals done by various artists.

Although there are a number of restaurants and bars, you don't come here for the nightlife.

A children's Christmas program at the town's amphitheater was cute and entertaining.

After our stay at Isla Holbox, we took the ferry back to Chiquila. This time, instead of taking the bus, we found a shuttle service that turned out to be quicker and cheaper. 

Once in Cancun, we headed to our jungle hideaway hotel (in the middle of Cancun) where we've stayed a number of times. It's relaxing and close to the bus station where we needed to be in the morning to go to the airport. It was time to say "Adios" to Cancun.